What is the best garlic Chicken Recipe? I’m talking about that kind of chicken that makes your whole house smell amazing, the kind that will make you feel like a million bucks. From the pickiest eater to the most adventurous foodie, everyone devours. Is it so easy to get lost in a rut? What are some of the best garlic chicken recipes? – comforting, satisfying, and unbelievably easy to whip up. What makes this a great weeknight snack?
What is garlic chicken?
Is Garlic Chicken a flavor bomb? What’s essentially juicy chicken pieces, pan-fried to golden perfection and then bathed in a luscious, tangy sauce? What is garlicky sauce What is garlic? It infuses every bite with its pungent, sweet, and savory goodness. What is garlic? We’re talking about building flavors, layering textures, and creating something truly special with textures. Very little effort. What is it like to eat chicken with garlic? What’s that warm, comforting dish your grandma used to make, but with a garlic twist? What is not to love?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start? What is a garlic Chicken Recipe? Why do you make it on repeat?
- Flavor explosion: WhatWhat is garlic? It gets perfectly caramelized, infusing the chicken with a rich, slightly sweet, and undeniably delicious flavor. What is the garlicky It’s not overpowering, just perfectly balanced.
- Ridiculously easySeriously, you can make this even on the busiest of weeknights. What’s the best way to chopping one pan and you’re done?
- Budget friendly Chicken and garlic are pretty economical ingredients, especially when you buy them in bulk. You probably have most of the other ingredients in your pantry already.
- So versatile:Serve it over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or even in a salad. The possibilities are endless. I’ve seen people shred garlic chicken and put it in tacos! The garlic flavor goes with everything.
What I love about this recipe is how adaptable it is. How much garlic should I use? I always get requests for this when I have friends over. Is it worth trying?
How do I make garlic chicken?
Quick Overview
Making this amazing garlic chicken is easier than you might think. Basically, you’re going to sear your chicken pieces until they’re golden brown and juicy. Then, you’ll whip up a quick garlic sauce in the same pan, letting all those beautiful flavors meld together. Finally, you’ll simmer the chicken in the sauce until it’s perfectly cooked and the sauce has thickened up. The whole process takes about 30 minutes, tops! Don’t be intimidated by the garlic, it mellows out beautifully as it cooks.
Ingredients
For the Garlic Chicken: What is the recipe?
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces. I prefer thighs because they stay juicy, but breasts work too!
- What is the magic of garlic?
- 2 tablespoons olive oil. (For searing the chicken and getting that golden color).
- 1/4 cup soy sauce. (Adds a savory depth).
- 2 tablespoons honey. (Balances the saltiness and adds a touch of sweetness.)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar. (Provides a tangy counterpoint.)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil. (A little goes a long way, adding nutty aroma.)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (Optional, for a little kick.) My kids like it without, but I sneak in some for myself.)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (To thicken the sauce.)
- Chopped green onions, for garnish (Adds a pop of freshness.)
How do I follow step
Step 1: Prep the Chicken & Garlic
First, pat your chicken pieces dry with paper towels. How do you mince garlic? I always use a garlic press because it’s quicker, but finely chopping works just as well. Get everything prepped before cooking. It makes the whole process smoother.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken in a single layer (don’t overcrowd the pan!). Is it necessary to sear chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through? Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. What is the smell of garlic?
Step 4: Add Sauce Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir to combine. If you’re using red pepper flakes, add them now. Stir everything together until well combined. Let the sauce simmer for a minute or two, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
What is cornstarch slurry? Pour it into a skillet and stir constantly. How do you cook sauce until it thickens? This usually takes just a minute or two. The sauce should be glossy and coat the back of the spoon.
Step 6: Add the Chicken Back In
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat with the garlic sauce. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is clinging to the skin.
Step 7: Garnish & Serve
Garnish with chopped green onions. Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or your favorite side. What’s your favorite garlic Chicken Recipe?
What should I serve it with?
What makes garlic chicken a true chameleon? What are some of my favorite serving suggestions?
- Over Rice:What are the best steamed white rice recipes? How does rice soak up garlic sauce?
- With Noodles: Egg noodles, ramen noodles, or even spaghetti work beautifully. Just toss them with the garlic chicken and sauce.
- Alongside VegetableSteamed broccoli, Green Beans, or asparagus are great additions. What is a salad?
- In Lettuce Wraps:For a lighter option, serve the garlic chicken in lettuce wraps with some shredded carrots.
My personal favorite is serving it over mashed sweet potatoes with some roasted Brussels sprouts. The sweetness of the potatoes and the slight bitterness of the sprouts complement the garlic chicken perfectly. For a really cozy night, I’ll make a big batch of garlic chicken and serve it with mashed potatoes. It’s total comfort food! And if you’re feeling fancy, try pairing it with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. The acidity cuts through the richness of the dish beautifully.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Garlic Chicken
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that really elevate this dish from good to amazing. Here are my top tips:
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Sear the chicken in batches to ensure it gets a nice golden-brown crust. Overcrowding the pan will steam the chicken instead of searing it.
- Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic has a much more pungent and flavorful taste than pre-minced garlic. It’s worth the extra effort!
- Watch the garlic carefully: Burnt garlic tastes bitter and can ruin the whole dish. Keep the heat at medium and stir frequently.
- Adjust the sweetness to your liking: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of honey. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the sweetness.
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Chicken thighs are more forgiving than chicken breasts, but still be careful not to overcook them. They should be cooked through but still juicy.
- Add a splash of chicken broth: If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to thin it out.
- Toast some sesame seeds: For a pretty garnish and a nutty flavor, toast some sesame seeds in a dry skillet until golden brown. Sprinkle them over the finished dish.
One time, I accidentally used too much honey and the sauce was way too sweet. I added a little bit of soy sauce and rice vinegar to balance it out, and it turned out even better than before! Don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust the recipe to your own taste.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Garlic chicken is even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld together. Here’s how to store and reheat it:
- Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover garlic chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the garlic chicken in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating Methods: Reheat the garlic chicken in the microwave, in a skillet over medium heat, or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much.
I usually double the recipe so I can have leftovers for lunch the next day. It’s also great for meal prepping! Just portion it out into individual containers and store it in the fridge for a quick and easy lunch or dinner during the week. Just be sure to store in an airtight container; nobody wants their entire fridge to smell of garlic chicken! I like to reheat mine in a pan on the stove, it just tastes fresher that way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it: my go-to garlic chicken recipe that’s guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen. It’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. What more could you ask for? It’s one of those recipes that I know I can always rely on to deliver a delicious and satisfying meal, even on the busiest of nights. If you’re looking for more easy weeknight dinners, be sure to check out my other recipes. Happy cooking, and let me know how your garlic chicken turns out! I can’t wait to hear what you think. Don’t forget to leave a comment and rating below, and share your own variations. I’m always looking for new ideas!
Garlic Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Chicken thighs
- 4 cloves Garlic Minced
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, combine garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken thighs and toss to coat.
- Place chicken in a baking dish and bake for 30 minutes, or until cooked through.
